The Acura MDX high beam headlight uses a 9005 bulb size, while low beam headlight configurations include D2S, H11, and 9006 bulb sizes across different model variations. The replacement chart covers 2001 through 2013 production years with corresponding bulb size specifications for each generation.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 9005 bulb fills the high beam headlight position across all Acura MDX model years listed in the specifications, spanning 2001-2013. It is an ANSI-standard single-filament halogen bulb rated at 12V and 65W, fitted with a P20d base.
The low beam headlight position on the Acura MDX changed bulb types twice across the listed model years. The 2001-2003 MDX used a 9006, the 2004-2006 MDX used an H11, and the 2007-2013 MDX used a D2S.
The D2S is a high-intensity discharge bulb, commonly referred to as HID or xenon. Unlike the halogen bulbs used in other positions, it operates at 85V and 35W and requires a separate external ignitor to strike and sustain the arc discharge that produces light.
The D2S bulb carries a P32d-2 base and is designed specifically for projector-type headlight housings. It is not interchangeable with the halogen bulbs used in earlier MDX low beam positions, as it operates on a fundamentally different light-producing technology and requires compatible housing optics.
The 9006 and H11 are both single-filament halogen bulbs rated at 12V and 55W, but they carry different base types. The 9006 uses a P22d base under the ANSI standard, while the H11 uses a PGJ19-2 base under the ECE standard. These differing bases make the two bulbs physically non-interchangeable despite their identical voltage and wattage ratings.
The 9005 high beam bulb is rated at 65W, which is 10W higher than both the H11 and 9006 low beam bulbs. This higher wattage reflects the greater light output typically associated with high beam operation over longer distances.
The 9005 and 9006 bulbs follow the ANSI standard used in the United States and Canada, while the H11 and D2S follow the ECE standard used in Europe and internationally. The H11 also carries approval for use in the United States.